Test Flashcards
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Chronic autoimmune inflammation of synovial joints
It can affect individuals of any age, with a higher prevalence in middle-aged women.
What are the risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis?
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Family history (HLA DR4)
These factors increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
What is the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis?
Inflammation of synovial lining of joints, tendon sheaths, and bursae leading to thickening and infiltration by inflammatory cells.
What is the typical presentation of rheumatoid arthritis?
- Joint pain
- Stiffness worse in morning (>30 mins)
- Inflammation (red, hot, swollen)
- General fatigue, malaise, weight loss, myalgia
Symmetrical distal polyarthritis is common.
What are some characteristic hand symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis?
- Swan neck deformity
- Boutonniere deformity
- Z thumb
- Ulnar deviation
- Subluxation
These deformities affect the fingers and wrists.
What is palindromic rheumatism?
Self-limiting episodes of inflammatory arthritis that last a few days and may resolve.
What are extra-articular symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Felty’s syndrome
- Sjogren’s syndrome
- Anemia of chronic disease
- Cardiovascular disease
- Rheumatoid nodules
- Lymphadenopathy
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Amyloidosis
- Bronchiolitis obliterans
- Caplan syndrome
These symptoms can affect various organ systems beyond the joints.
What are the key laboratory findings in rheumatoid arthritis?
- Anemia
- Thrombocytosis
- Raised CRP
- Raised ESR
- Positive rheumatoid factor
- Positive anti-CCP
These tests help in diagnosing the disease.
What is the significance of the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ)?
Measures functional ability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
What is the first-line treatment for rheumatoid arthritis?
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate.
What are common side effects of methotrexate?
- Mouth ulcers
- Liver toxicity
- Bone marrow suppression
- Leukopenia
- Teratogenic effects
Regular monitoring of FBC and LFTs is crucial.
What are biological therapies used for in rheumatoid arthritis?
To interact with the immune system and reduce inflammation when there is an inadequate response to DMARDs.
What is the role of TNF inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis treatment?
They are used when there is an inadequate response to two or more DMARDs.
What is psoriatic arthritis?
Inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis.
What are the five patterns of psoriatic arthritis?
- Asymmetrical oligoarthritis
- Symmetrical polyarthritis
- DIP predominant pattern
- Spondylitis
- Arthritis mutilans
These patterns describe the various ways the disease can manifest.
What is the typical presentation of ankylosing spondylitis?
- Lower back pain
- Stiffness in buttocks
- Pain worse at night, improves with movement
May progress to a kyphotic posture.
What are the extra-articular features of ankylosing spondylitis?
- Anterior uveitis
- Amyloidosis
- Aortic regurgitation
- AV node block
- Sausage digit (dactylitis)
- Inflammatory back pain
- Crohn’s disease
These features may accompany the joint symptoms.
What is osteomalacia?
Soft bones due to decreased bone mineral content and low vitamin D.
What are common causes of osteomalacia?
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Malabsorption
- Chronic kidney disease
These factors impair the body’s ability to properly mineralize bones.
What is osteoporosis?
Low bone mass leading to fragile bones and increased fracture risk.
What are the common risk factors for osteoporosis?
- Older age
- Female gender
- Post-menopausal status
- Reduced mobility
- Low BMI
- Low calcium/vitamin D intake
These factors contribute to the development of osteoporosis.
What does a DEXA scan measure?
Bone mineral density at the femoral neck.
What is the first-line treatment for osteoporosis?
Bisphosphonates, such as Alendronate or Risedronate.
What are the side effects of bisphosphonate therapy?
Reflux, oesophageal erosions, atypical fractures, osteonecrosis of jaw, external auditory canal
These side effects necessitate reassessment of bisphosphonate treatment after 3-5 years.
What is Denosumab and how does it function?
Monoclonal antibody against osteoclasts, administered subcutaneously twice yearly, inhibits RANK ligand
This inhibition prevents the maturation of osteoclasts, which are responsible for bone resorption.
How does Teriparatide affect bone health?
Acts as parathyroid hormone, increases bone formation
Teriparatide is used in the treatment of osteoporosis.
What is Raloxifene and its mechanism of action?
Selective oestrogen receptor modulator that stimulates oestrogen receptors in bones
Raloxifene is used in the treatment of osteoporosis.
What is Strontium ranelate’s effect on bone?
Stimulates osteoblasts and blocks osteoclasts
It is used to treat osteoporosis.
What characterizes Paget’s disease of bone?
Focal bone remodeling due to increased bone turnover
It has a prevalence of about 5%.
What is the primary pathophysiology of Paget’s disease?
Cause is unknown, involves increased osteoclast and osteoblast activity
New bone formed is weaker, leading to deformities and fractures.
What are common risk factors for Paget’s disease?
Older age, male sex, Northern latitude, family history
These factors increase the likelihood of developing the disease.
What are typical symptoms of Paget’s disease?
Asymptomatic in 60-80%, bone pain, untreated can lead to bowing of tibia and bossing of skull
Symptoms may vary in severity.
What laboratory findings are associated with Paget’s disease?
Raised alkaline phosphatase, normal calcium and phosphate, raised urinary hydroxyproline
Alkaline phosphatase is a marker of bone turnover.
What imaging findings are characteristic of Paget’s disease?
Localized bony enlargement, sclerotic changes, osteolytic areas, thickened skull vault
X-rays may show a cotton wool appearance in the skull.
What is the primary treatment for Paget’s disease?
Bisphosphonates, calcitonin if bisphosphonates are unsuitable, analgesia, calcium and vitamin D supplementation
Surgery may be needed for fractures or deformities.
What is gout?
Joint inflammation due to deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in joints
It is classified as a type of crystal arthritis.